Skip to main content

2003
Land Rover Freelander

Starts at:
$25,370
Shop options
New 2003 Land Rover Freelander
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Wgn S
    Starts at
    $25,370
    17 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Wgn SE3
    Starts at
    $26,370
    17 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SE
    Starts at
    $28,270
    17 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn HSE
    Starts at
    $31,970
    17 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander 2003 Land Rover Freelander

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 2003 Land Rover Freelander review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

What a funny-looking motor vehicle!

I must confess, that was my first thought upon seeing the 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3.

I thought maybe the bright-yellow color on the tested model had something to do with it, but upon further review, no, it just looked different — kind of what you would expect the child of a Jeep Wrangler and a Toyota RAV4 to look like if such a thing were allowed by nature.

It turns out, however, that the SE3’s looks have everything to do with its function. And it functioned pretty well for the week I had it.

If you like the outdoors and occasionally like to get far away from the paved roadways, you’ll probably like the SE3. The tested model had the removable rear hardtop cover, which lets the sun shine in on prospective passengers or loads of tall cargo. Twin sunroof panels are likewise removable. Land Rover was kind enough to provide on-board storage for the removable parts.

For those who meander way, way off-road, Land Rover incorporated Hill Descent Control to act in place of low-range gearing to assist motorists down steep slopes. HDC triggers anti-lock braking sensors to rapidly pulse the brakes and keep the vehicle speed at less than 6 miles per hour.

The SE3’s off-road capabilities, which are exceptional, also were enhanced by electronic traction control at all four wheels and permanent all-wheel drive.

On paved surfaces, the SE3 remains an agile machine, and once the engine revs are up, the vehicle tackles most conditions nicely. Starting from a stop or a slow roll, however, requires more foot-mashing on the accelerator. The 2.5-liter, 174-horsepower V-6 is a hard worker, but it’s not a drag-racing engine.

Sport-utility vehicle drivers who like to be spoiled with rich-leather-and-burled-walnut interior surfaces and a silky smooth ride best look somewhere else. The front seats in the tested model were rugged, safari-type buckets that adjusted to positions manually. In the rear bench seat, passengers felt most every bump from a purpose-built stiff suspension that can handle off-road terrain.

Downers included a high step-in height for people under 6 feet tall, limited vision with the rearview mirror, some gearbox mushiness backing up with the automatic transmission that also allows for clutchless manual shifting and perhaps the most ill-advised cupholder placement going — a double cupholder that unfolds from the middle-top of the dash. It does not hold drinks firmly, and it’s easy to splash the windshield interior and the digital clock with even a modest braking maneuver.

Being a Land Rover, the SE3 must cost a fortune, right? Not even close, and that’s the best part. The tested SE3 had a base price of $26,370 and went up only slightly with a $100 California emissions charge and $625 for delivery. That’s a far cry from the $35,000 to $40,000 window sticker on a Land Rover Discovery and a veritable quantum leap fro m nearly $72,000 for a 2003 Land Rover Range Rover.

Keep in mind that the SE3 is a little sibling within its own family — three doors (including the rear-loading door that swings open) rather than five doors on other Freelander versions.

Top-notch standard amenities on the tested SE3 included a 240-watt, eight-speaker harman/kardon audio system with compact disc player and AM/FM radio, 17-inch snow/mud radial tires, exterior mirrors with power and heat, a heated windshield, a power window in the rear cargo door and steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise functions.

The perfect SE3 customer appears to be an active outdoor enthusiast who likes Land Rover quality and engineering but does not want to spend a fortune for an SUV. In other words, it’s the kind of vehicle I would have crawled on broken glass to have when “baby boomer” could still be translated to young adult with active lifestyle.

Cross-country vacationers and SUV buyers who have reserved parking spaces at the country club will likely consider something more luxurious and expensive, and that’s fine. The SE3 is a nice variation from the standard compact SUV fare and a true off-road transporter.

Funny looking? Well, tastes vary. And to be truthful, the SE3 grew on me the more time I spent with it.

Land Rover Freelander at a glance

Make/model: 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3.

Vehicle type: Five-seat, two-door, four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle.

Base price: $26,370 (as tested, $27,095).

EPA fuel economy: 17 miles per gallon city; 20 mpg highway.

Transmission: Electronic five-speed automatic with clutchless manual shifting option and other special features.

Steering: Power rack and pinion.

Brakes: Power four-wheel discs with enhanced anti-lock, electronic brake distribution and hill-descent control.

Suspension type: Independent with MacPherson struts and coil springs front and rear.

Cargo volume: 19.3 cubic feet in rear storage area.

Fuel tank: 16.9 gallons.

Curb weight: 3,577 pounds.

Front track: 60.4 inches.

Rear track: 60.8 inches.

Height: 69.2 inches.

Length: 177.7 inches.

Wheelbase: 101 inches.

Width: 71.1 inches.

Ground clearance: 7.3 inches.

Tires: P225/55R17 radials.

Maximum towing capacity: 2,500 pounds.

Final assembly site: Solihull, England.

2003 Land Rover Freelander review: Our expert's take
By

What a funny-looking motor vehicle!

I must confess, that was my first thought upon seeing the 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3.

I thought maybe the bright-yellow color on the tested model had something to do with it, but upon further review, no, it just looked different — kind of what you would expect the child of a Jeep Wrangler and a Toyota RAV4 to look like if such a thing were allowed by nature.

It turns out, however, that the SE3’s looks have everything to do with its function. And it functioned pretty well for the week I had it.

If you like the outdoors and occasionally like to get far away from the paved roadways, you’ll probably like the SE3. The tested model had the removable rear hardtop cover, which lets the sun shine in on prospective passengers or loads of tall cargo. Twin sunroof panels are likewise removable. Land Rover was kind enough to provide on-board storage for the removable parts.

For those who meander way, way off-road, Land Rover incorporated Hill Descent Control to act in place of low-range gearing to assist motorists down steep slopes. HDC triggers anti-lock braking sensors to rapidly pulse the brakes and keep the vehicle speed at less than 6 miles per hour.

The SE3’s off-road capabilities, which are exceptional, also were enhanced by electronic traction control at all four wheels and permanent all-wheel drive.

On paved surfaces, the SE3 remains an agile machine, and once the engine revs are up, the vehicle tackles most conditions nicely. Starting from a stop or a slow roll, however, requires more foot-mashing on the accelerator. The 2.5-liter, 174-horsepower V-6 is a hard worker, but it’s not a drag-racing engine.

Sport-utility vehicle drivers who like to be spoiled with rich-leather-and-burled-walnut interior surfaces and a silky smooth ride best look somewhere else. The front seats in the tested model were rugged, safari-type buckets that adjusted to positions manually. In the rear bench seat, passengers felt most every bump from a purpose-built stiff suspension that can handle off-road terrain.

Downers included a high step-in height for people under 6 feet tall, limited vision with the rearview mirror, some gearbox mushiness backing up with the automatic transmission that also allows for clutchless manual shifting and perhaps the most ill-advised cupholder placement going — a double cupholder that unfolds from the middle-top of the dash. It does not hold drinks firmly, and it’s easy to splash the windshield interior and the digital clock with even a modest braking maneuver.

Being a Land Rover, the SE3 must cost a fortune, right? Not even close, and that’s the best part. The tested SE3 had a base price of $26,370 and went up only slightly with a $100 California emissions charge and $625 for delivery. That’s a far cry from the $35,000 to $40,000 window sticker on a Land Rover Discovery and a veritable quantum leap fro m nearly $72,000 for a 2003 Land Rover Range Rover.

Keep in mind that the SE3 is a little sibling within its own family — three doors (including the rear-loading door that swings open) rather than five doors on other Freelander versions.

Top-notch standard amenities on the tested SE3 included a 240-watt, eight-speaker harman/kardon audio system with compact disc player and AM/FM radio, 17-inch snow/mud radial tires, exterior mirrors with power and heat, a heated windshield, a power window in the rear cargo door and steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise functions.

The perfect SE3 customer appears to be an active outdoor enthusiast who likes Land Rover quality and engineering but does not want to spend a fortune for an SUV. In other words, it’s the kind of vehicle I would have crawled on broken glass to have when “baby boomer” could still be translated to young adult with active lifestyle.

Cross-country vacationers and SUV buyers who have reserved parking spaces at the country club will likely consider something more luxurious and expensive, and that’s fine. The SE3 is a nice variation from the standard compact SUV fare and a true off-road transporter.

Funny looking? Well, tastes vary. And to be truthful, the SE3 grew on me the more time I spent with it.

Land Rover Freelander at a glance

Make/model: 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE3.

Vehicle type: Five-seat, two-door, four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle.

Base price: $26,370 (as tested, $27,095).

EPA fuel economy: 17 miles per gallon city; 20 mpg highway.

Transmission: Electronic five-speed automatic with clutchless manual shifting option and other special features.

Steering: Power rack and pinion.

Brakes: Power four-wheel discs with enhanced anti-lock, electronic brake distribution and hill-descent control.

Suspension type: Independent with MacPherson struts and coil springs front and rear.

Cargo volume: 19.3 cubic feet in rear storage area.

Fuel tank: 16.9 gallons.

Curb weight: 3,577 pounds.

Front track: 60.4 inches.

Rear track: 60.8 inches.

Height: 69.2 inches.

Length: 177.7 inches.

Wheelbase: 101 inches.

Width: 71.1 inches.

Ground clearance: 7.3 inches.

Tires: P225/55R17 radials.

Maximum towing capacity: 2,500 pounds.

Final assembly site: Solihull, England.

Factory warranties

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Consumer reviews

3.2 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.1
Interior 3.3
Performance 3.4
Value 3.0
Exterior 3.5
Reliability 2.8

Most recent

  • Most comfortable suv I've had..was skeptical..

    This was an overall good buy for me. It's reliable and drives pretty smooth. Also, the interior is in great shape for a 2003 model.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Worst car I own

    Really bad car to own 1 year I own it was bad on fuel and uncomfortable car for road trip I had problems with engine I broke the camshaft and chain. In the engine
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good little first car

    I think this car needs a paint job and a tune up. Other than that, it's good. I'd keep it but need more room. A 4 door.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great for off road

    Bought this car new in 2003 & still have it after 9 years. Works great. Love to go travelling & camping with it. Unlike big clumsy SUVs, this is nimble on the high ways, little city streets as well tight off road trails.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very unreliable

    When I first got this car I loved it. It had 63,000 miles on it. I had it for four years and It was constantly in and out of the shop. I had to take it to the Land Rover dealer because most mechanics do not know how to work on them. First the ignition switch had to be replaced. Then the battery and brakes. The fuel pump died with no warning which is a common problem with this vehicle. Land Rover sent a recall letter for the issue after I had to pay to get it repaired. It was constantly leaking coolant and the mechanics could not figure out why. It was driving fine until one day the engine died at 98,000 miles and the dealership gave me a quote of $12000 for a new engine. Never again!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Do Not buy a Land Rover

    While our Land Rover was surprisingly reliable for about 5 years before it fell apart, Land Rovers are absolutely overpriced (people buy it for the name and prestige) and practically "illegally" expensive to maintain. There is absolutely no reason to pay $169.99 for an oil change when your car is under warranty. The whole Land Rover brand is poor value for the money and the cars are built for a short life span. If you want value, do not buy the Land Rover brand. If you have a lot of money to spend, don't worry about your image, save $30-40,000 and give it to your favorite charity.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2003 Landrover Freelander SE

    Vehicle looks great in the picture. Clean engine that seems new. Has a good fuel economy. Its a car every person would love to drive for comfort.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • discovery

    Great car for great price Nice fuel economy nice interior and exterior design Power Door Locks, Air Conditioning, Tilt Steering Wheel, Interval Wipers, Rear Defroster, Front Bucket Seats, Reclining Seats, Cloth Upholstery, Rear Window Wiper, CD Player, Anti-Lock Braking System, AM/FM Stereo Radio, Fog Lamps, Dual Electric Mirrors, Dual Air Bags,Alloy Wheels, Keyless Entry
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • not relible car

    expensive parts, I lost a lot of dollars for repair.Common problems: transmision, oil leaking, sun roof stopped working, back door window, hot air inside smells like coolant fluid- coolant fluid radiator leaking, and many more defects. And that car is 7 years old. Has now 72000 miles. Stay away from this car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Not recommended

    Great when first purchased. Super handling and nice ride. When warranty ran out engine problems began. Finally finished with broken camshaft that bent the valves. Diagnosis new engine!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • junk

    The engine will blow!!! This is a common problem with the engine build. Stay away from this evil car. It is a nightmare!!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A little unreliable

    an expensive vehicle if things go wrong the fuel pump went on mine i have a 2 litre kalahari special edition black and it cost me nearly a #1000 to put it right at #989
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Land Rover dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander?

The 2003 Land Rover Freelander is available in 4 trim levels:

  • HSE (1 style)
  • S (1 style)
  • SE (1 style)
  • SE3 (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Land Rover Freelander?

The 2003 Land Rover Freelander offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2003 Land Rover Freelander reliable?

The 2003 Land Rover Freelander has an average reliability rating of 2.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Land Rover Freelander owners.

Is the 2003 Land Rover Freelander a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander. 53.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.2 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.1
  • Interior: 3.3
  • Performance: 3.4
  • Value: 3.0
  • Exterior: 3.5
  • Reliability: 2.8
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"luxurysuv_suv","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"SUV","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]